Used Cars for Sale in Portland, OR (with Photos) (2024)

FAQs

How old of a used car is the best deal? ›

If your goal is to save on a pre-owned vehicle, it's advisable to seek one that has already undergone most of its depreciation. This entails finding a car that is at least two years old, but ideally between three and four years old.

The Bottom Line:

By using the 10% rule of thumb, you can quickly determine how much of your monthly income can be spent on car costs without jeopardizing any of your other financial goals. For most folks, buying a used car within the $10,000 – $25,000 range is a great way to proceed.

There is no sales tax on any vehicle purchased in Oregon. If you are buying a car in another state, make sure the dealer fills out paperwork for Oregon residents so that you do not have to pay sales tax.

There's no rule to how many miles on a used car is too much, but by attempting to stick to the 12,000 miles per year rule is a great place to start. Find out how old the car is, multiple the number of years by 12,000, and if the number on the odometer is significantly higher than that, some concern might be warranted.

Cars are usually reliable for up to five years if they've been looked after. But a well-maintained 10-year-old car could be a better investment than a newer model that hasn't been cared for as well. Budget is also a major factor. The older the model, the lower the cost.

60,000 to 100,000 Miles

If you want to squeeze the most value out of your vehicle, this mileage bracket is probably the best time to sell.

Key Takeaways. The 50-30-20 budget rule states that you should spend up to 50% of your after-tax income on needs and obligations that you must have or must do. The remaining half should dedicate 20% to savings, leaving 30% to be spent on things you want but don't necessarily need.

To apply this rule of thumb, budget for the following: 20% down payment: Aim to make a 20% down payment on your new car. 4-year repayment term: Choose a repayment term of four years or less on your auto loan. 10% transportation costs: Spend less than 10% of your total monthly income on transportation costs.

Key Takeaways. Car ownership costs vary significantly by state, with California, Nevada, Florida, New York, and Washington being the most expensive due to high costs of insurance, fuel, sales tax, and vehicle depreciation.

How many miles can a car last? ›

A conventional car can last for 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained car models will reach 300,000 or more miles total. The average passenger car age is currently around 12 years in the United States. Choosing a well-built make and model can help extend your car's longevity.

MARKETWATCH GUIDES TIP: Can You Negotiate With Carvana? Carvana does not negotiate prices on sales or purchases of vehicles. The price you see on an offer is the price you get, with no wiggle room.

Oregon is one of the cheapest states to buy used cars because it has the lowest unexpected fees in the country. For instance, Oregon's document processing fee is capped at $150 ($115 if the dealer doesn't use an integrator) with an average of $61 in dealer fees.

To Use Oregon's Lemon Law

The problem must be significant enough to substantially reduce the vehicle's use, value or safety. Each malfunction must be reported to the manufacturer or dealer. They will have an opportunity to fix the problem.

Avoiding sales tax can be incredibly beneficial to your car purchase, but it's only possible in some states. Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Delaware, and New Hampshire have no statewide sales tax.

Affordability: One of the primary advantages of purchasing a 10-year-old car is affordability. New cars experience rapid depreciation in their first few years, making older models more budget-friendly. Buyers looking for a cost-effective option may find that a 10-year-old car provides good value for the money.

The automotive industry has undergone significant technological advancements over the past two decades. Features such as advanced safety systems, infotainment, and fuel efficiency may be lacking in a 20-year-old car, potentially compromising the overall driving experience and safety.

Car shopping? Buying a used car can save you money, but you'll want to check the vehicle's age and the number on its odometer to get an even greater value. According to Autotrader, the best used vehicle should be between four and six years old, and have less than 50,000 miles.

Within the first year, many cars will lose up to 20% of their value. After that, they may lose about 15% more per year until the four-or five-year mark.